Governor Sakaja to rename South C road to honour late music icon E-Sir

After two years of deliberations, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday announced that a road in South C, Lang'ata Sub-County, will officially be renamed in honour of the late musician E-sir (Issa Mmari).

The decision follows a petition submitted to City Hall in September 2022, calling for a tribute to the iconic artist, who tragically passed away in 2003.

Speaking during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, Governor Sakaja expressed his commitment to honouring the city's cultural icons.

"Nairobi can attract major artists both locally and internationally, and we shall continue to honour our artists by renaming some of our roads," he said.

Sakaja confirmed that the road renaming would go ahead as planned, making E-sir's legacy part of Nairobi's urban landscape.

Governor Sakaja further noted that discussions had been held with key local leaders over the matter.

"I have spoken to Mheshimiwa Jalas ( Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor) and our county assembly has dealt with it. For instance, E-Sir, one of our roads in South C shall be renamed after the great hero whose brother has performed today," he said.

The petition, which garnered public support, specifically requested that a prominent road in South C be renamed to commemorate E-sir's contributions to Kenya's music industry.

In September 2022, local musician Nameless petitioned Governor Sakaja, as well as the city's County Assembly and Transport/Roads docket, to immortalise E-sir by naming a road or street in South C after the late rap legend.

The popular musician, David Mathenge, who was with E-sir at the time of the accident that claimed his life in March 2003, launched the petition on Change.org and it had garnered over 1,200 signatures at the time of publishing.

"19 years ago, Kenya lost a national treasure, a progressive musician, Issah Mmari alias E-Sir. The young talented star aged 21 died in a tragic road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on his way back to Nairobi from a concert on March 16, 2003," reads the petition.

"In honour of this iconic Kenyan artist who was not only a great talent and friend to many but a pioneer in his genre of music we are calling on the Nairobi County Council (NCC) and The Office of the Ombudsman to name a road, drive or street in South C after E-Sir as a way of celebrating artistic talent and in honour of his memory," it read further.

Nameless credited E-Sir with changing the course of the Kenyan music industry, lauding him for releasing timeless tracks which he said continue to flock to the airwaves long after his death.

"E-Sir's legacy continues to inspire generations after his passing with his talent, hard work, passion and humility. The naming of a road after him will celebrate these great values and recognise the importance of the arts in our culture," he added.

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